ADULT FEMALESpecimen provided by Jon Fouskaris.Photo taken by Jon Fouskaris.

The Chilean Rose Tarantula is one of the
most commonly imported tarantulas in the trade today. This species of tarantula is a
combination of being fairly large, hardy and docile. The Chilean Rose Tarantula can be
found in almost any pet store, and can be found in two different color phases. One of the
color phases of the Chilean Rose Tarantula is a tan to brown overall color with pink hairs
and a pink carapace, while the other is a tarantula with red hairs all over it's
body. The photo to the left shows the brown and pink phase. These used to be classified
under two different species, but they are now both known as Chilean Rose Tarantulas.
There are many pet stores that carry Chilean Rose Tarantulas, although
they may be under different names. Some of these names are listed below.
The Chilean Rose Tarantula is the ultimate starter species, and should be considered for anybody who wants to
dive into the hobby.

Range

Bolivia, Northern Chile, and
Argentina, found in many habitats, mostly
deserts and scrubland.

Type

Terrestrial.

Diet

Spiderlings eat pinhead
crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, other large
insects, and an occasional pinkie mouse.

Full Grown Size

4.5 to 5.5 inches.

Growth

Slow speed.

Temperature

70 to 85° F.

Humidity

75 to 80%. All tarantulas that have at least a 3" legspan
may drink from a
shallow, wide water dish.

Temperament

Docile and calm.

Housing

Spiderlings can live in a clear
plastic deli-container with air holes. Adults can live in a 5 or 10-gallon tank. Floor space is more important than height.

Substrate

2 to 3 inches of peat moss, or
potting soil.

Decor

No decorations are really
needed, but you can add a log, or cork bark.

*Please note that ALL tarantulas have a
certain amount of venom. Although most people are not affected by this species, some
people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous
situation. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this tarantula. Also,
New World species of tarantulas like this one can flick urticating hairs off of their
abdomens, which can also cause a reaction, depending on the person. Affects of this
tarantulas' natural defenses may vary between people. All tarantulas should be considered
dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more
sensitive the HARD WAY!